Remote Control with User Profile Capability

ABSTRACT

A control unit ( 101 ), such as a remote control device, includes a profile selector ( 104 ). The profile selector ( 104 ), which may be a single profile selector button integrated into the side or top of a remote control, allows quick and simple selection of an operating mode or user profile. The control unit ( 101 ) includes an indicator ( 107 ) that provides indicia of the currently selected mode or profile. Examples of indicators include multicolored lights and display devices. Where multicolored lights are used as the indicator ( 107 ), actuation of the profile selector ( 104 ) causes the indicator ( 107 ) to change from a first color to a second color.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to control devices having user profilesassociated therewith, and more specifically to a control device, such asa remote control device, having a profile selector for selecting acustomizable user profile and a profile indicator for indicating whichprofile is selected.

2. Background Art

Home entertainment and home entertainment systems are becomingincreasingly more feature packed, sophisticated, and complex. While oncea television set could only receive two or three channels, cable andsatellite systems now deliver hundreds of channels at the click of abutton. What's more, video and audio content is now delivered insurround sound stereo with high definition pictures.

With the multitude of channel options now available, it is sometimescumbersome for a family member to decide what to watch. Rather thanhaving to browse through hundreds of channel listings to pick a desiredprogram, people generally tend to gravitate towards a select fewchannels. In other words, one family member may to prefer to generallywatch a few sports and local channels, while another family memberprefers to watch movie and music channels.

To accommodate these differing tastes, receiver boxes with channel guidepreferences have been developed. With one of these receiver boxes, auser may program a channel guide to include only those channels thatmatch his particular tastes. When selecting the channel guide optionfrom a general menu, the user may then select a preference list to showonly the desired channels.

The problem with this particular system is threefold: First, it is timeconsuming to pull up the programmed channel guide. Generally, the usermust first activate a general menu, then select a preference option,then select his particular preference list. The process requires theuser to hit multiple buttons and view multiple screens on the televisionor monitor.

Second, to determine which particular user guide is active at any onetime, the prior art system requires the user to activate the generalmenu, thereby requiring information to be displayed on the screen.Displaying this information often interferes with the video and audiothat is currently being displayed, as the video generally gets reducedin size to accommodate the additional information. There is no quick wayto determine which profile is active without interrupting the broadcast.

Third, this prior art solution is only tailored to channel guide. Whilethe prior art systems are effective for customizing channel guides,other features, like show suggestions, viewing preferences, and recordedprograms are generally not customizable.

There is thus a need for an improved device for quickly and easilyselecting and displaying programmed preferences.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system employing a remote controldevice in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a control device having a userprofile selector button and a first indicator in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a control device having a userprofile selector button and an alternate indicator in accordance withthe invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a control device having a userprofile selector button and an alternate indicator in accordance withthe invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a control device employing a biometric sensor inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a control device employing a voice actuation controlin accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method associated with a control device inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with thepresent invention, it should be observed that the embodiments resideprimarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus componentsrelated to a control device, such as a remote control device, having asingle user profile selector and a corresponding user profile indicator.Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have beenrepresented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings,showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understandingthe embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure thedisclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention describedherein may be comprised of one or more conventional processors andunique stored program instructions that control the one or moreprocessors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processorcircuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the control device anduser profile selector as described herein. The non-processor circuitsmay include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, a radiotransmitter, an infra-red transmitter and receiver, signal drivers,clock circuits, power source circuits, and user input devices. As such,these functions may be interpreted as steps of a method to perform userprofile selection with a control device having a user profile selectorand corresponding indicator. Alternatively, some or all functions couldbe implemented by a state machine that has no stored programinstructions, or in one or more application specific integratedcircuits, in which each function or some combinations of certain of thefunctions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination ofthe two approaches could be used. Thus, methods and means for thesefunctions have been described herein. Further, it is expected that oneof ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and manydesign choices motivated by, for example, available time, currenttechnology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts andprinciples disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating suchsoftware instructions and programs with minimal experimentation.

Embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Referring tothe drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Asused in the description herein and throughout the claims, the followingterms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includesplural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” In thisdocument, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, andthe like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action fromanother entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying anyactual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicatecomponents shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. Forexample, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A wouldrefer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure A.

As illustrated and described below, embodiments of the invention providea method, apparatus, and system configured to enable the selection andindication of one of several user profiles associated with an electronicdevice, such as a television or set-top box. As used herein, a “set-topbox” refers to any control device configured to receive audio or videocontent and deliver it to a user. By way of example, a receiver ordigital video recorder configured to work with cable television signalsor satellite television signals would be one type of set-top box.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, multiple user profilesmay be established and stored either within the electronic device orwithin a control unit, one example of which is a remote control. In oneembodiment, the control unit has a single user profile selector button.When the user actuates the single user profile selector button, whichmay be any of a push-button, keypad switch, shuttle, jog dial, biometricsensor switch, or voice activated control, the current user profilechanges accordingly.

In one embodiment, the control unit further includes an indicator thatdisplays indicia of the presently selected profile to the user. Thus,the user may simply look at the control unit to determine which profilehas been selected without interrupting a currently broadcasting show. Inone embodiment, the indicator displays the current user profile upon auser actuating an indicator button. Examples of indicators include aliquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED). Where thelight emitting diode is used, the light emitting diode may cause anindicator light pipe or selected keys on the control unit to changecolor.

When the various user profiles are stored on the electronic device andare selected with the control unit, other features may be added to eachprofile. For example, the electronic device or set-top box may include aprediction algorithm that corresponds to the selected user preference.The prediction algorithm compares previously selected content toupcoming schedules to predict potentially interesting new content forthe user of that particular profile. Thus, when a user selects hisparticular profile with the control unit, the electronic device loadsthe corresponding set of preferences from a locally stored user profiledatabase, so that future predictions may be computed in accordance withthis user's preferences. Further, upon selecting a particular profile,any subsequent preference input detected, such as a preferred program,program rating, or usage information, will be added to this selectedprofile.

In one embodiment, when a particular user profile is activated, thatuser's personal channel list may also be automatically activated so thatchannel browsing order follows the current user's previous settings. Forinstance, predicted information may be displayed along with theprogrammed channel list that includes information such as title, genre,program description, predicted rating, etc.

Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is one embodiment of a systemhaving a plurality of selectable user profiles, with each user profile103 being selectable by a control unit 101. In one embodiment, thecontrol unit 101 is a control device, such as a wireless remote control,that includes a profile selector 104, a transmitter 105 that isresponsive to the profile selector 104, and an indicator 107. Thecontrol unit is configured to communicate with an electronic device 102.As noted above, the electronic device 102 may be a set-top box, but maylikewise be a television set, a computer configured for multimediadelivery, a home entertainment system, or other audio-visual deviceconfigured to receive multimedia content and deliver it to a user.

The electronic device 102 has associated therewith a plurality of modesof operation. As noted above, these modes may include a plurality ofuser profiles. For example, in a family of four, each of the mother,father, son, and daughter may program in a profile that includespreferred channels, recorded programs, predicted programs, displaycharacteristics and so forth. While the modes may include operatingcharacteristics that are different from or are in addition to the userprofiles, when used with a control unit 101 having a profile selector104, at least some of the modes of operation correspond to userprofiles.

The control unit 101 is configured to communicate with the electronicdevice 102. In one embodiment, the profile selector 104 comprises asingle profile selector or selection button. The single user profileselection button is capable of selecting at least one mode or userprofile from the plurality of user profiles or modes. In one embodiment,the single user profile selection button is disposed on the side of thecontrol unit 101 so as to be easy to access with a thumb.

When the profile selector 104 is actuated, a transmitter 105 responsiveto the profile selector 104 is configured to transmit a user changesignal 106 to the electronic device 102. This user change signal 106causes the electronic device 102 to change from a first user profile toa second user profile. For instance, when the mother is watching aprogram associated with her profile, and leaves to run an errand, thedaughter may change to her profile by actuating the profile selector.When this occurs, the transmitter 105 in the control unit 101 sends theuser change signal 106 to the electronic device 102. The electronicdevice 102 then changes from the mother's profile to the daughter'sprofile.

The control unit 101 also includes an indicator 107 that is configuredto change a profile indication indicia 108 upon actuation of the profileselector 104. The indicator 107 is configured to change appearance uponselection of one of the modes of operation or upon selection of one ofthe user profiles. This appearance change may be done by color, text,sound, direction of emitted light, or light intensity. Other suitableappearance changes will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure.

In one embodiment, the indicator 107 is a light source, such as a lightemitting diode, which is capable of emitting light in one of a pluralityof colors. When the profile selector is actuated, the light 108 changescolor, thereby indicating a different user profile. By way of example,the indicator 107 may be a dual red and green light emitting diode thatemits green light by actuating one light emitting diode, emits red lightby actuating the other light emitting diode, and emits yellow light byactuating both light emitting diodes. Other equivalent multi-color lightsources will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure.

Where the indicator 107 is a multicolor light source, a light pipe 109may be used in conjunction with the indicator 107 to facilitate betterprojection of light 108 to the user. The light pipe 109 may be anornamentally designed piece of plastic or glass that directs light 108to the user, thereby indicating which profile is selected. With the useof an indicator 107, as well as the optional use of the light pipe 109,the user is able to determine which profile is selected without havingto look at the electronic device 102 or a video display 110 coupledthereto.

In one embodiment, the various keys 131 of the control unit 101themselves may serve as light pipes. Where the keys 131 are manufacturedfrom a translucent material, the indicator 107 may be placed beneath thekeys 131 such that the indicator light projects through the keys 131 tothe user. In such an embodiment, one, multiple, or all keys 131 maychange color so as to easily and quickly identify the profile currentlyselected to the user. Thus, as the indicator 107 changes its color, thevarious keys on the keypad, such as play, stop, fast-forward, change ina corresponding fashion.

Where light is used as the indicator 107, sequential actuations of theprofile selector 104 cause the list of profiles, and corresponding listof colors, to cycle. In one embodiment, the color cycling schemeincludes a default, uncolored mode to represent anonymous users. Theprofile selector 104 may also be used with sequential actuations as acontrol device. For instance, if a profile is currently selected,pressing the profile selection button once may show the currentlyselected profile, and reactivate the indicator 107 where it had beendeactivated for energy saving purposes. Similarly, pressing the profileselector 104 twice may select the default mode, which may be the firstmode in the cycling scheme. By allowing a user to jump to the defaultmode, the user is able to easily log-off when finished viewing contentby quickly returning to the default mode.

In another embodiment, the indicator 107 comprises a display, such as aliquid crystal display, disposed atop the control unit 101. Where theindicator 107 is a display, the display may be configured to display oneof a plurality of profile indicator messages. For example, the displaymay present, “Current Profile: Mom”. Other information may be presented,including suggestions, current channel, current show, and so forth.

As noted above, the user profiles may be stored either within thecontrol unit 101 or the electronic device 102. Thus, the control unit101 may be configured to operate in either synchronous mode orasynchronous mode in causing the electronic device to switch from onemode to the next. In asynchronous mode, when the profile selector 104 isactuated, the transmitter 105 of the control unit sends the user changesignal 106 to the electronic device 102, and then causes the indicator107 to change appearance, thereby indicating that the electronic devicehas changed modes. This indicator change in the control unit 101 is doneindependent of the electronic device 102.

In synchronous mode, when the profile selector 104 is actuated, thetransmitter 105 sends the user change signal 106 to the electronicdevice 102. In this embodiment, the control unit transmitter 105 isconfigured as a transceiver, having both transmitter and receiver. Theelectronic device 102 also includes a transceiver configured tocommunicate wirelessly with the receiver in the control unit 101. Uponsending the user change signal 106, thereby indicating selection of amode, the control unit 101 waits to receive an acknowledgement signalfrom the electronic device 102, as the transceiver in the electronicdevice is configured to transmit a mode change signal 112 to the controlunit. In addition to the acknowledgement, the electronic device 102 maysend additional information, such as the indication color to be usedwith the next profile, or the icon to be displayed by the control unit101 for the next profile. Where this additional information is included,the circuitry of the control unit 101 may be simplified in that most ofthe intelligence is embedded in the electronic device 102. This modechange signal 112 thereby confirms that the user profile or mode ofoperation within the electronic device 102 is changed. Upon receivingthe acknowledgement, the indicator 107 of the control unit 101 changesappearance. Suitable communication technologies to accommodate two-waycommunication include Bluetooth or WiFi communication protocols.

While the indicator 107 provides one means of alerting a user as towhich user profile or mode of operation has been selected, in oneembodiment the electronic device 102 includes a mode selection module151 configured to indicate a mode selection status to the user. Thismode selection status, which may be presented to the user on a videodisplay 110, provides an alternate mode selection indicia. Note alsothat when the control unit 101 is operating in synchronous mode, andwhere the indicator 107 is a display, the electronic device 102 maydeliver the mode selection status to the control unit 101 along with theacknowledgement such that the mode selection status may be presented onthe display.

The mode selection status may include not only which mode or userprofile is selected, but may include other information as well. Forinstance, the mode selection status may include personalized text, suchas “John's profile”. The mode selection status may also include apicture of the user associated with the selected profile. In oneembodiment, the mode selection status includes at least a mode name andone or more mode characteristic information indicia, as set forthherein.

Where the electronic device 102 comprises a receiver for televisionsignals, along with a corresponding video display 110, the modeselection status may temporarily appear as visual indicia 111 on thevideo display 110. The mode selection status may then disappear after asmall amount of elapsed time, or as soon as the user pushes anotherbutton on the control unit 101. Optionally, the electronic device 102 orthe mode selection module 151 may compute and display the rating of thecurrent content being displayed as a part of the mode selection status.The electronic device 102 may also compute a predicted rating for allother channels in the selected profile, and further display the programwith the highest score with an option for the user to directly jump tothis program. For parental control, the user could be asked to enter hispassword to select a profile if the owner of the profile has enabledsuch a password.

To create or establish the various modes or user profiles, in oneembodiment the electronic device 102 includes a mode creation module152. The mode creation module 152 is configured to receive a modecreation signal from the control unit 101, which indicates that a userdesires to create a new mode or profile. Upon receipt of the modecreation signal, the mode creation module 152 is actuated.

In one embodiment, the manufacturer may provision several default modesin either the control unit 101 or electronic device 102. For instance,the manufacturer may establish a default father's, mother's, andchildren's modes. In such an embodiment, the user can use the modeselection feature right “out of the box” without the need for additionalset-up.

Where user profiles are pre-provisioned, a user may employ the modecreation module 152 to customize each provisioned user profile atstart-up using a procedure that allows the user to enter somepreferences and also choose a color to represent the profile. Theelectronic device 102 then informs the control unit that a new profilehas been created. The control unit may then add a new color andcorresponding profile to its cycle list. A similar operation takes placeif a given profile is deleted. The user may also provide preferenceinformation at later times. One exemplary method with which this may beaccomplished is by rating a program.

As referenced above, one suitable application for embodiments of theinvention relates to television content delivery, be it through air,broadband network, cable, or satellite. As such, in one embodiment, theelectronic device 102 comprises a receiver for television signals with avideo display 110 coupled thereto. Signals are received, and optionallydecoded, with the electronic device 102, and are then delivered to thevideo display 110.

Since some of the television signals and corresponding programs may benot suitable for children, in one embodiment the electronic device 102includes a security module 155 configured to block selected content witha security code. Since some users will have the blocked content includedwith their profile, and others will not, in one embodiment the securitymodule 155, when active, prompts a user for a security input upon theselection of a user profile including the blocked content. The securityinput may be a password or PIN. For example, continuing the familyexample from above, if the mother and father have access to late nightcomedy shows, but the children do not due to their early bedtimes, wheneither the mother's profile or father's profile is selected, thesecurity module 155 prompts for a security input.

In some situations, one user will select a mode or profile and beginusing the electronic device 102. There are circumstances in which theuser may just leave the room while the electronic device continuesoperating. For instance, the user may need to run an errand and mayforget to turn off the video display 110 or the electronic device 102.As an optional feature, in one embodiment, the electronic device 102includes a mode request module 153 and a timer 154. When a mode isselected, the timer 154 actuates. Upon expiration of the timer 154, themode request module 153 delivers a mode selection request on the screen.For instance, where the timer 154 is set for four hours, and the fourhours lapse, the mode request module 153 may present the followingmessage on the video display 110: “Continue with this profile? Or selectanother?” Similarly, if the control unit 101 has not been used for sometime, such as one hour, the mode request module may optionally ask theuser for a confirmation of the selected profile to prevent a user fromadding channels or entering a rating accidentally in another user'sprofile.

The keys 131 of the control unit may include temporal controlcapabilities as well. For example, in another embodiment, the user maypress profile selector 104 continually for a certain period of time,such as 2 seconds for instance. Upon doing this, the transmitter 105 ofthe control unit 101 then sends a signal to the electronic device toactuate one of the modules. Holding the profile selector 104 for 2seconds, for instance, may cause the mode creation module 152 toactuate, thereby allowing creation of a new profile. Wherecolor-changing lights are used as the indicator 107, and a new profileis added, a new color may be added to the set of displayable colors inthe control unit 101.

Similarly, where some user profiles require the entry of a securityinput, the control unit 101 may additionally have temporal aspects. Byway of example, where the control unit 101 is idle for a predeterminedtime with Father's profile, when one family member tries to use theremote control, the electronic device 102 may ask the user to enter thesecurity code. If the user does not know the security code, he mayactuate the profile selector 104 until he finds his profile. Similarly,where the control unit 101 is idle for a predetermined time with theMother's profile, the next user may again be asked to enter a securitycode.

Turning now to FIGS. 2-4, illustrated therein are some exemplaryindication schemes for presenting indicia of the selected mode or userprofile with the control unit 101. Beginning with FIG. 2, a multi-colorlight source is being used as the indicator 107. The multi-color lightsource is directed through an ornamental light pipe that has beenintegrated into the control unit 101. After the profile selector 104 isactuated, a first color 221 is displayed through the light pipe as theindicator 107. Upon actuating the profile selector 104 again, a secondcolor 222 is projected through the light pipe as the indicator 107. Uponpressing the profile selector 104 a third time, a third color 223 isprojected through the light pipe as the indicator 107.

At FIG. 3, a display 320 on the control unit 301 is used to identify thecurrently selected profile. Upon actuation of the profile selector 304is actuated, a first message 321 is presented on the display 320. Uponactuating the profile selector 304 again, a second message 322 ispresented on the display 320. Upon pressing the profile selector 304 athird time, a third message 323 is presented on the display 320.

At FIG. 4, the translucent keys 431 are used on the control unit 401 asindicators. Upon actuation of the profile selector 404, a first color421 is displayed through the translucent keys 431. Upon actuating theprofile selector 404 again, a second color 422 is projected through thetranslucent keys 431. Upon pressing the profile selector 404 a thirdtime, a third color 423 is projected through the translucent keys 431.The exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2-4 are not intended to be limiting.It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure that other indicator schemes may be used topresent mode status to the user.

Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrated therein is an alternate form ofprofile selector 504 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the control unit 501 includes a biometricsensor as the profile selector 504. Suitable biometric sensors includefinger print readers and other touch sensitive identification devices.When the biometric profile selector 504 is actuated and the mode or userprofile associated therewith changes, the indicator 502 correspondinglychanges to indicate the current mode or user profile.

Turning now to FIG. 6, illustrated therein is another alternate form ofprofile selector 604 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the control unit 601 includes avoice-activated switch as the profile selector 604. When thevoice-activated profile selector 604 is actuated and the mode or userprofile associated therewith changes, the indicator 602 correspondinglychanges to indicate the current mode or user profile.

Turning now to FIG. 7, illustrated therein is one embodiment of a method700 for use with the invention. The method 700 may be implemented assoftware or embedded firmware within a control unit (101) to allowsimple mode selection and presentation of the selected mode to a user.

At step 701, a control unit including a selector for selecting one of aplurality of profiles is provided. The control unit includes atransmitter configured to at least transmit a profile change signal to aremote device upon actuation of the selector. Additionally, the controlunit includes an indicator having one or more indicia states. Theindicia states correspond to each of the modes.

At step 702, the control unit detects actuation of the selector. By wayof example, the selector may be a single profile selector buttondisposed on the top or side of the control unit. When the single profileselector button is actuated, the control unit detects this actuation atstep 702. The detection of selector actuation may take many forms.Examples include detecting actuation of a button, receiving biometricinformation, and detecting voice or audible signals. Additionally, thedetection of selector actuation may include a temporal component, suchas detecting actuation of a button for at least a predeterminedduration. Similarly, the detection of selector actuation may includedetecting at least a predetermined number of button actuations. Eitherthe predetermined duration or a particular predetermined number ofbutton actuations may correspond to a default state, as is indicatedabove.

Once selector actuation is detected, the control unit transmits aprofile change signal at step 703. This profile change signal may betransmitted to a remote electronic device, such as a set-top box ortelevision signal receiver.

As noted above, the control unit may operate in either a synchronous orasynchronous mode. Where the control unit is operating in anasynchronous mode, an indicia state of the indicator is changed from afirst indicia state to a second indicia state. Where color is used asthe indicia, perhaps projected from a multicolor light source through alight pipe, the indicator may change from the first indicia state to thesecond indicia state by changing from a first color to a second color.Where a display is used to present indicia, such as a liquid crystaldisplay, the indicator may change from a first indicia state to a secondindicia state by removing a first message, pictures, or characters fromthe display and presenting a second message, pictures, or characters onthe display.

Where the control unit is operating in synchronous mode, the method 700includes the step of receiving a profile change acknowledgement from anelectronic device as indicated at decision 705. Upon receiving theprofile change acknowledgement, the indicia of currently selected modeor profile is changed at step 704.

In one embodiment mentioned briefly above, the control unit isconfigured to enter a power saving mode after a predetermined durationof non-use. In such an embodiment, the control unit may check to seewhether the predetermined duration of non-use has elapsed at decision706. Where this is the case, the control unit may enter the power savingmode at step 707. When in the power saving mode, the control unit exitsthe power saving mode upon the step of detecting the actuation of theselector at step 702.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the artappreciates that various modifications and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in theclaims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the invention havebeen illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not solimited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, andequivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by thefollowing claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofpresent invention.

1. A control unit for a device having at least one user profileassociated therewith, the control unit comprising: a. a profileselector; b. a transmitter responsive to the single profile selectionbutton configured to transmit a user change signal upon actuation of thesingle profile selection button; and c. an indicator configured tochange a profile indication indicia upon actuation of the single profileselection button.
 2. The control unit of claim 1, wherein the profileselector comprises a single profile selector button.
 3. The control unitof claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises a wireless remote controlunit.
 4. The control unit of claim 3, wherein the indicator comprises alight source capable of emitting a light in one of a plurality ofcolors.
 5. The control unit of claim 4, wherein the light changes colorupon actuation of the single profile selection button.
 6. The controlunit of claim 4, wherein the indicator further comprises a light pipedisposed along the control unit through which the light passes.
 7. Thecontrol unit of claim 4, wherein the indicator further comprises one ormore translucent keys disposed along the control unit through which thelight passes.
 8. The control unit of claim 3, wherein the indicatorcomprises a display configured to display one of a plurality of profileindicator messages.
 9. The control unit of claim 1, wherein the profileselector comprises a biometric sensor.
 10. The control unit of claim 1,wherein the profile selector comprises a voice activated switch.
 11. Amethod of selecting a user profile, comprising the steps of: a.providing a remote control unit comprising a selector for selecting oneof a plurality of profiles, a transmitter configured to at leasttransmit a profile change signal, and an indicator having a plurality ofindicia states; b. detecting actuation of the selector; c. transmittinga profile change signal; and d. changing an indicia state of theindicator from a first indicia state to a second indicia state.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the step of detecting actuation of theselector comprises a step selected from the group consisting ofdetecting actuation of a profile selection button, receiving biometricinformation, and detecting voice.
 13. The method of claim 11, whereinthe step of changing the indicia state comprises the step of changing alight source from a first color to a second color.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the step of changing the indicia state comprises thestep of changing characters presented upon a display.
 15. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the step of detecting actuation of the selectorcomprises detecting actuation of a profile selection button, wherein thestep of detecting actuation of the profile selection button comprisesdetecting actuation of the one button for at least a predeterminedduration, further comprising the step of transmitting a profile creationsignal.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of detectingactuation of the selector comprises detecting actuation of a profileselection button, wherein the step of detecting actuation of the onebutton comprises detecting at least a predetermined number of buttonactuations, further wherein the step of changing the indicia state ofthe indicator comprises changing the indicia state from a presentindicia state to a default indicia state.
 17. The method of claim 11,further comprising the step of receiving a profile changeacknowledgement, wherein the step of changing the indicia state of theindicator occurs after the step of receiving the profile changeacknowledgement.
 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising the stepof entering a power saving mode, and upon entry of the power savingmode, exiting the power saving mode upon the step of detecting theactuation of the one button.
 19. A system having a plurality ofselectable user profiles, the system comprising: a. an electronic devicehaving a plurality of modes of operation, wherein at least some of theplurality of modes of operation correspond to a plurality of userprofiles; and b. a control unit configured to communicate with theelectronic device, the control unit comprising a single user profileselection button, a transmitter responsive to the single user profileselection button capable of selecting at least one mode from theplurality of modes of operation, and a visual indicator configured tochange appearance upon selection of at least one mode from the pluralityof modes of operation.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein theelectronic device comprises a mode selection module configured toindicate a mode selection status to a user.
 21. The system of claim 20,wherein the electronic device comprises a receiver for televisionsignals, further comprising a video display coupled to the electronicdevice, wherein the mode selection status comprises visual indiciapresented on the video display.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein thevisual indicia comprises at least a mode name and one or more modecharacteristic information indicia.
 23. The system of claim 19, whereinthe control unit further comprises a receiver, further wherein theelectronic device comprises a transceiver configured to communicatewirelessly with the receiver, wherein upon selection of a mode, thetransceiver is configured to transmit a mode change signal to thereceiver, thereby causing the visual indicator to change appearance. 24.The system of claim 19, wherein the electronic device comprises a modecreation module, wherein upon receipt of a mode creation signal from thetransmitter, the mode creation module is actuated.
 25. The system ofclaim 19, wherein the electronic device comprises a mode request moduleand a timer configured to actuation upon a mode selection, wherein uponexpiration of the timer, the mode request module is configured todeliver a mode selection request.
 26. The system of claim 19, whereinthe electronic device further comprises a security module configured toprompt for a security input upon selection of the mode from theplurality of modes.